Simpson University for Seniors

Simpson University for Seniors is a series of month-long courses offered to adults of any age. Classes are offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:20 – 11:20 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Owen Student Services Center on the Simpson University campus. The cost per course is $95 per person or $145 per married couple.

Participants can take classes in eight areas of study: history, science, literature, music and art, Bible, theology, and personal development. Space is limited, and students will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is highly encouraged.

Registration for Spring courses starts November 1, 2018.

If you do not wish to register online, please stop by the Advancement office, Owens Center room 304 to register in person. If you have any questions, please call the Advancement Office at 530-226-4506.

Simpson University for Seniors
2211 College View Dr., Redding CA, 96003

• Spring 2019 Courses

  January 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 23, 25, 28, 30

  
  

  10:20 - 11:20 The Sermon on the Mount: When Matthew was invited by Jesus to follow Him, his life dramatically changed. This former tax collector knew the importance of records, so Matthew wrote down what Jesus taught about being his follow. The most comprehensie teachings of Jesus are known as the Sermon on the Mount. It is imperative for followers of Jesus to know, and for those interested in Christ to consider, what Jesus taught about being part of the Kingdom of God. Among the topics we will address are: the Beatitudes, murder, divorce, oaths, fasting, revenge, loving your enemis, prayer and worry. Presenter: Jim Voss

  
  

  11:30 - 12:30 Union Jack: The Rise and Fall of the British Empire: The history and geography of the mightiest empire in human history--at one time dominating one-fourth of the earth's land surface and one-third of all humanity. The story will take us from the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 to the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997. Presenter: Don Claspill

  
  

  February 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 20, 22, 25, 27

  
  

  10:20 - 11:20 The Acts of the Apostles: The history of the early Church, beginning with the ascension of the resurrected Christ. His disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses, beginning in "Jerusalem...and to the ends of the earth." They encountered problems and had differences of opinion on various subjects. The Gospel was proclaimed to both Jew and Gentile. Presenter: Glenn Shaefer

  
  

  11:30 - 12:30 Growing up Behind the Iron Curtain: The Presenter was born in Estonia when the country was under the control of the USSR. He will share his story of what life was like as a Christian living in that environment. Topics will also include the history, geography, climate, culture, language and eonomics of the country--then and now. Presenter: Richard Jurgens

  
  

  March 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 20, 22, 25

  
  

  10:20 - 11:20 Tolkien: The Author and his Writings: J.R.R. Tolkien created fascinating worlds in his fantasy fiction, worlds that went on to see new cinematic life in the recent film adaptations. We will read and discuss his best loved novels, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy in relation to his life, the Inklings' œuvre, and the flims. Journey to the Middle Earth with us! Presenter: Carolyn Murray

  
  

  11:30 - 12:30 Modern Israel: From Ben-Gurion to Netanyahu: The unprecedented story of a state, extinct for nearly 2,000 years, "miraculously" returning to existence in the 20th Century. Eretz Israel has become both the most powerful state in the Middle East as well as the most controversial nation in the world. Presenter: Don Claspill

  
  

  April 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 24, 26

  
  

  10:20 - 11:20 Christian Apologetics--Exercising Faith in a Doubting World: Apologetics is the branch of theology and philosophy that focuses on giving a reasoned defense for our Christian faith. This class is an introductory but serious course focused on the major issues and approaches to Christian apologetics. Topics include the nature and scope of apologetics, apologetics in the New Testament, evidentialist approaches, reformed apologetics, the challenge of scientific materialism, apologetics in the post-modern context, the problem of evil, and apologetics in everyday life. Presenter: Brian Larsen

  
  

  11:30 - 12:30 Writing Engaging Memoirs: Life experiences make each individual unique, meaningful and noteworthy. Utilizing effective techniques, this class emphasizes these experiences by making the writing of memoirs fun, thoughtful, and engaging. Presenter: Gera Unmack

• FAQs
  • Q: When do the classes meet?

    A: Classes meet ten times on a M-W-F format from 10:20-11:20 or 11:30-12:30.

  • Q: Where are the classrooms?

    A: Classes meet on campus in the Owen Center #306.

  • Q: Are there restrooms near the classroom?

    A: They are on the same floors as the classrooms.

  • Q: Is the classroom "user friendly" for people in wheelchairs?

    A: Yes.

  • Q: Do I have to climb stairs?

    A: No. There is an elevator that one can take from the Owen Center lobby to the second and third floors. Some prefer to use the stairs—for the exercise!

  • Q: Is there a limit to the size of the class?

    A: The classroom used determines the size of the class. The room seats 30 people.

  • Q: What is the normal class size?

    A: Most of the class sizes are in the 12-15 range.

  • Q: Is there any homework?

    A: None is required, although a presenter may suggest readings or writing assignments.

  • Q: Are there textbooks that have to be purchased?

    A: None is required, but the presenter may recommend that you bring something to the class.

  • Q: Can these courses be taken for college credit?

    A: No. These courses are not-for-credit.

  • Q: Can the courses count for "Continuing Education Units"? [CEU]

    A: Check with your employer to see if he/she will accept these courses for CEU “credits”.

  • Q: Is it wise to register early?

    A: Early registrations are strongly encouraged to determine the interest in the subject. If there are not sufficient registrants the week before the course is scheduled to begin, the course will be canceled.

  • Q: Can I register for BOTH classes offered each month?

    A: Yes! The one follows the other time-wise.

  • Q: How can I register?

    A: You can register online at simpsonu.edu/seniorschool. It will open in “Academics.” In the left column, scroll down to “SU for Seniors.” That allows you to pay by credit card. If you prefer, you can complete a paper registration form and pay with a check.

    Register Online Today!
  • Q: Can I come to campus to register?

    A: You may register & pay by check in the Advancement Office, 3rd floor of the Owen Center room 304.

  • Q: Where do I send in my registration form?

    A: Simpson University for Seniors, 2211 College View Drive, Redding, CA 96003.

  • Q: To whom do I make out the check?

    A: "Simpson University"

  • Q: Can I register for courses scheduled for spring 2018?

    A: Registration for spring courses opens on October 1, 2017.

  • Q: What is the cost for the course?

    A: Each course costs $95 per person. If a couple registers for the same course, the cost is $145 - a savings of $50.

  • Q: Can my spouse and I sign up for two different courses and pay still $145 (instead of $95 per course)?

    A: No. To receive the discount, the couple must register for the same course.

  • Q: Is there an incentive for taking multiple courses?

    A: There is! If one registers for three courses, the fourth one is free.

  • Q: Are there any scholarships?

    A: No.

  • Q: Is there a discount if one registers for two or more courses at the same time? For veterans or SU alumni?

    A: No.

  • Q: How can I pay?

    A: If you register online, you can use a credit card. If you mail in the completed registration form, you can pay by check.

  • Q: Can I register and pay later?

    A: No. One is registered only after one completes the registration form and pays the fee.

  • Q: What is your refund policy?

    A: There are no refunds. (If the class is full when you seek to register for the class, your payment will be returned to you.)

  • Q: Where can I park?

    A: The closest spaces are in the parking lot of the Heritage Center (gym). However, you may park in the lot to the west of the Owen Center.

  • Q: Are there spaces for handicap parking?

    A: Directly facing the Owen Center lobby are three spaces.

  • Q: Can I park on the street parallel to the Owen Center?

    A: Unfortunately, no parking on campus streets is allowed.

  • Q: Who are the presenters?

    A: The presenters are current or semi-retired professors or experts in their fields.

  • Q: How young can a person be to begin taking these courses?

    A: Any adult can register for a course. There are no age limits.

  • Q: Can I record the class sessions?

    A: Each presenter decides whether or not to allow lectures to be recorded.

  • Q: May I use the campus library if I am a SU for Seniors student?

    A: Yes! You have the same privileges as other SU students for the year. In addition, you are free to use the bookstore, coffee shop and dining center.

  • Q: Whom can I contact for more information?

    A: You can contact Caity Griffin at (530) 226-4978 or Dr. Glenn Schaefer at (530) 226-4146. You can also email them at seniorschool@simpsonu.edu